Max frustration for Lions supporters as Velocity promoted

He was an extraordinarily short price given his frustrating profile but 2/9 chance Port Lions finally crossed the line in front in the At The Races Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Dundalk. Connections and supporters continue to pull their hair out though as he lost the race in the steward's room. Max Velocity was carried badly right from over a furlong out by Port Lions and it wasn't any great surprise to many observers when the second home got promoted. A head split them at the line.

This was a first winner in Ireland for Cormac Farrell since October 2014, and Max Velocity was ridden for the County Wexford handler by Rory Cleary.

"He was the best horse but just hung fire a little bit in front. Pat said he was always holding him," said Michael Halford, trainer of Port Lions, prior to the change.

"It wasn't ideal to have to make the running with him but when there is no pace you don't have much choice.

"He was entitled to do it. In fairness to him he's met some smart horses along the way.

"He's a lovely moving horse and loves the surface. When horses like him get their head in front it can just bring them alive. He works a lot better horse than that. I think it's a confidence thing.

"You come up here and you're favourite and there's no pace and you sort of have to ride him a bit different than you want to.

"He'll probably be a different horse in a handicap with a fast pace where you can drop him in and have something to run at.

"He was going along there doing nothing and then it was like 'why are you asking me to do that'."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straght involving Max Velocity, ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed second and Port Lions, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed first.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards reversed the Judge's placings of the first and second placed horses and took no further action.

The result now reads:

1st Max Velocity

2nd Port Lions

=3rd Chaparral Dream 0A=3rd Easkey Lad 0A5th Boatrace 0A6th Tea Roses 0AMr. S. Collins and Mr. J. Osborne, Acting Stewards, absented themselves from this enquiry.

(GC & EM)